Illimasqua Skin Base review and giveaway winner!

Hey Beauties

 

If you're anything like me and you feel like you're constantly searching for the perfect foundation then this post may just be for you! I have tried pretty much all the favourite foundations from Mac, Estee Lauder to Bobbi Brown and although I will always hold a massive soft spot for Mac, sometimes it's nice to try something new. I wanted to try Illamasqua's skin base foundation for a while now so I made my way to the counter at Meadowhall's Debenhams and got myself matched up, by the way, it was the best colour match I have ever received.

 

 

The good thing about this foundation is you can choose a colour additive to make it lighter or darker which is ideal if you're a fake tanner or use sunbeds etc. I was lucky enough to pick up a white as well as the amber tint, at the minute I am yet to try the foundation with them as like I said the colour is perfect for my skin tone. The coverage is medium to full and the lasting power is pretty good, although I would suggest a finishing powder to try and prevent transfer.

 I use mine with Body Shops Matte it primer as it tends to leave a dewy finish and I don't dig shining! I am hoping to try out Illamasqua matte primer on my next visit to Meadowhall.. so another review may be on it's way. Any of you lovelies tried it? Let me know!

 

I am really loving this foundation at the minute and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to try something new.. I do struggle to get the product out of the tube though, you have to really grit your teeth and squeeze it to get some foundation out which is a little bit upsetting but apart from that I don't have any major qualms with it!

 

Here's the finished look using skin base..

 

 

This photo isn't edited so you can see the genuine finish of the foundation, my shade is 8.5 for you who may be wondering, the foundation is a little bit on the expensive side at £32 but a little really goes a long way so I would say it is worth a little splurge.

 PS.. I have gone blonde, I kept the roots dark though to stay true to my brunette genes. What's your thoughts?

Oh and I now have a winner of my giveaway! Congratulation's to Sarah Jarvis for being the lucky one, thank you to everyone who entered, there will be more giveaways in the future so don't be disheartened (:

Thank you all for reading, if you have any suggestions on what you would like to see next on the blog don't be afraid to let me know.. Don't forget to check out my Facebook and Instagram for regular updates and follow me on Bloglovin if you enjoy reading my blogs!

 

Stefi xoxo

 

London - The House of Vans

Hey Beauties

I'm going to jump straight in with this one as I am mega excited to share this with you! I recently won an incentive at work where I was given the opportunity to go to London to the House of Vans. The House of Vans is an establishment which opened in August 2014 which offers free entry to the site for skateboarders and BMXers for 2 hour booking slots which can be made online. Not only this but they also hold huge musical events and educational workshops for children!

 

 

 Saturday I made my way to the big city all on my ones, I even managed to find my way about on the tube.. massive proud moment for me! However when I arrived in waterloo I got lost trying to find the House Of Vans. After an hour of hopelessly wandering around staring at my maps on my phone, not to mention the fact I even got in a taxi in hope they would be able to take me there (no such luck) I rang the organiser and he managed to point me in the right direction luckily! Me and my embarrassing efforts aye.. I arrived and I was greeted by some fresh faces from other Schuh stores where we made our ways to the 'cinema'.

 

Here we were given a brief history overview of vans and their relationship with Schuh etc. Look how cute the set up is, just cushions that make up the seats on wooden platforms! They even hooked us all up with a free pair of vans, I got these hot pieces..

 

 I cannot wait to style these bad lads, I am a massive fan of slip on vans at the minute which is a bonus!
There was also an art exhibition themed around Halloween, not the kind of art I would usually enjoy but the talent of these artists is un-doubtable.
 

That Saturday they had a bowl jam on, where skateboarders competed to win a prize of 10,000 euros, so after grabbing some food and a voddy red bull in the café we made our way back to the cinema to watch it on the big screen.

 

 There was so many talented skateboarders and there were even kids competing against adults and by the looks of things they were giving them a massive run for their money! Even skaters from Spain, Poland etc. came to participate in this competition.

At around 4 we were able to check in to our hotel, we were put up in the Park Plazza County Hall in waterloo, just a pebble throw away from the House Of Vans. Mmm nothing like 4.5 star luxury after an exhausting commute..

The plan was to freshen up before meeting for a drink prior to the meal we had booked, so I made myself a cup of tea, wrapped up in my complimentary dressing gown and slippers and chilled after a nice soak in the huge shower.

 

 

.. I can't remember the name of the restaurant but I do remember the melt in your mouth fillet steak they made..

After we'd all polished off our food we toddled off to the House Of Vans for the big event! Everyone was dressed up in Halloween costumes, there was no half arsed attempts either.. it was such a great atmosphere filled with excitement. They had acts such as SEMTEX, Crossfire and Sound System plus loads more playing. A huge mix of artists to suit the guests.. It was so refreshing to see different cliques come together under one roof to enjoy such an event.

As you can probably guess I got a little drunk, but I was loving life and taking full advantage of the experience! Safe to say I had massive weekend blues when I returned home and I am still suffering now.. If you ever get the chance to go to the House Of Vans especially when they have an event on I would 100% recommend it! Massive thank you to Schuh and Vans for this opportunity.. Here's a few snaps of my night..

We were all pretty giddy to the point where we ended up pouting in every photo.. you know how it is after one vodka, it's like an automatic reflex when you see the flash of a camera to stick on your best pout. I had such a fantastic day and evening that I wanted to share it with you!
Don't forget to follow me on Instagram like my page on Facebook and follow me on Bloglovin. Remember there is still time to enter my GIVEAWAY all you have to do is follow me on at least one platform! I will be back soon with a mini haul.
Thanks for reading beauties,
Stefi xoxo